Audio Engineering

Audio Engineers work in many different areas including recording and producing
music for CDs, radio, television, motion pictures, and video games. They may also
set up and run PA systems for concerts, festivals, sporting arenas, conventions,
churches, live theater and nightclubs. Audio techs are responsible for recording
or reinforcing live sound with all the instruments in proper sonic balance and clarity.
In addition to having a "good ear" and an understanding of music, they must have
a thorough knowledge of acoustics, microphones, mixing boards, signal processing
and digital audio software.

What program does SFCC offer?

SFCC offers an
Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
and a Professional Certificate in Audio
Technology. The program is the only one of its kind currently offered in Eastern
Washington. It prepares students for jobs in digital audio production, analog and
digital recording, live sound engineering, sound design, and as technicians in the
broadcast and audio-visual industries.

Areas of study include: computer-based music technology software; digital and analog
recording techniques and procedures; acoustics; microphone design and placement;
signal processing and effects; songwriting, arranging, and film scoring; live sound
reinforcement, location recording, system set-up and maintenance; music business;
basic music theory and piano.

Audio Engineering Application Process

The Audio Engineering program is now full for 2014-2015. On April 1, 2015, we will begin accepting
applications for Fall 2015. All prospective students to the Audio Engineering Program need to follow and complete
the steps listed below.

It is essential that you maintain an active email account so that we may provide all information needed in a timely
manner.

To be admitted to the program, all applicants must complete and/or submit:

COLLEGE APPLICATION

Complete an
online application. On your application,
be sure to indicate Audio Engineering (#212) as your program intent.

Visit the
Assessment Testing website to schedule an
appointment or call 509.533.3401. The reading and writing placement test at SFCC is the COMPASS. The
math placement test is My Math.

Bring your placement scores to your interview. Applicants who have taken placement exams at another accredited
institution of higher education may submit their placement scores from that institution.

Applicants who have completed coursework in Math 99 and English 101 or equivalent coursework at SFCC or another
institution may bring a hard copy of transcripts to the interview in lieu of placement test scores.

A WRITTEN ESSAY: In a one to two-page essay (typed or neatly hand-written), answer the following
questions:

What is your personal interest in the Audio Engineering Program at Spokane Falls?

You will be notified by email of your interview date and time. It is essential you maintain an ACTIVE EMAIL
ACCOUNT. If for any reason you do not receive interview information within a week of contacting us, please
follow up by telephone (509.533.3212). It is important to us that you are not overlooked.

Your interview will be 15 minutes in length. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early. Applicants must be on time to be
considered for admission.

What Classes Do I Take?

During the first year of the program students will learn the
basics of studio recording, acoustics, live sound reinforcement, and digital audio workstations (DAW’s),
as well as receive instruction in functional piano and music theory. In the recording studio students
learn mixing console signal flow, studio procedures, and microphone techniques while they participate
in live recording sessions. In the MIDI lab, using the latest DAW software and operating systems,
students develop basic mixing, editing and Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) production
skills.

The second year of the program provides advanced study and
implementation of the aforementioned skills as well as internship opportunities at local recording
studios, radio stations, and post production facilities. Second year students further develop skills in
music theory and composing/arranging for film and multimedia applications.

The associate’s degree program can also serve as a
transfer program in the event that a student wishes to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Music Technology/
Audio Engineering at applicable colleges and universities.

Where can I get a job?

There are many pathways to employment in the field of audio engineering including work in recording facilities,
postproduction studios and live sound venues. The increasing popularity of video games and multi-media production
has led to increased demand in the gaming and web industries for skilled audio technicians well versed in digital
and analog technology. The Inland Northwest has seen a steady growth in the entertainment and recording industry.
With venues such as the Spokane Arena, Opera House, Spokane Expo Center, Northern Quest Casino, numerous
nightclubs, festivals and concert venues, recording studios, live theaters, houses of worship, etc., jobs are
increasingly available for trained audio engineers. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS)
employment predictions, jobs for sound engineering technicians will increase by 9 percent, about as fast as
average for all occupations, from 2012-2022. Audio Visual Technicians can expect faster than average job growth
at 14 percent.

How much can I earn?

Income varies dramatically within the industry. Starting hourly wages can range
from $16 to $22 while successful recording studio engineers and producers can make
well over $100,000 per year.

What else should I know about the field of audio technology?

Audio Engineers have many and diverse opportunities for employment as stated
above. Like the music business as a whole, it is very competitive. Those that
have an intense desire to learn the intricacies of sound, the essentials of
signal flow, the complexities of digital audio, and develop their understanding
of music itself, can look forward to an interesting and rewarding career. Those
with compositional skills and an understanding of the music business will have an even greater chance for success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there an application process?

Students are more likely to succeed in our program if they know the program in detail prior to entry. Also,
we are better equipped to advise students wisely when we know their knowledge and goals upon entry. Lastly,
if Audio Engineering is not a good fit for you, we are available to guide you in the evaluation of other
educational opportunities at Spokane Falls.

What happens when more students are interested in Audio Engineering than program capacity allows us to
admit?

Audio Engineering is an open access program. As long as there are seats in the program and you have
completed the admissions process, you will be admitted. Historically, however, about 120 or more students
express interest in and/or apply for the program. Program capacity is 40. When student applications exceed
program capacity, a committee evaluates students based upon a holistic scoring process that takes into
consideration:

Placement scores in reading, writing and math

Communication skills (spoken and written)

Musical experience/background

Audio engineering experience

Motivation and goals

These criteria are predictors of student success in the program. For example, in many of the Audio
Engineering Program courses, it is beneficial for students to possess some musical background: Music
Theory, Piano, Midi Arranging, and Digital Audio I-VI. Similarly, it is beneficial across the curriculum to
be a skilled reader (as students must absorb large amounts of complex information through reading). However,
no student is excluded from consideration based upon any one criterion. You may not be the strongest reader
in the world, but your experience with audio engineering software may more than offset that. We honor the
unique strengths of every student and consider their overall preparedness.

What should I know about the program?

There are several things you should know about Audio Engineering at Spokane Falls.

Audio Engineering is Fall Quarter entry—meaning all students in the program enter in the Fall together
and travel through the program together. A motto of Audio Engineering is “La Familia.” We are one
family, one cohort, all students together for the full two years. Cohorts are a proven model for
academic success, as cohorts nurture student bonds, creating an organic and continuous support network.
When you join Audio Engineering, you join a collective dedicated to the success of all.

Our classes go in order, each class preparing you for what is to come. Every class is offered once per
year. You must pass your classes to continue forward through the program.

When students drop out of a course or program, it is called “attrition.” On average for the college,
attrition is about 30%. In 2009-2010, attrition in Audio Engineering is well below the college average.
Our students work extremely hard and receive exceptional academic support. When you make the decision to join us
and pursue an education in Audio Engineering, we ask for your dedication. Audio Engineering is an expensive
program paid for by the people of Washington State. We provide students an extraordinary instructional team and
state-of-the-art equipment; therefore it is incumbent upon every student who accepts a seat in the program
to fulfill the hopes and dreams of our state.

Community Colleges of Spokane does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
disability, sexual orientation, or age in its programs, activities and employment. Furthermore, Audio
Engineering is committed to diversity, cultural awareness, and intercultural fluency. We have zero
tolerance for discriminatory behavior and/or language; we maintain – and expect students in the program to
maintain – an uncompromised atmosphere of mutual respect.

Contact information is listed below. Select the email link to send
an email. For general program information, contact
the senior secretary. The globe icon
identifies faculty web sites. Click the globe to visit the site.

Contact information is listed below. Select the email link to send
an email. For general program information, contact
the senior secretary. The globe icon
identifies faculty web sites. Click the globe to visit the site.